When the first phase is completed there will be some 150 two, three and four bedroomed homes on the site, which had been the subject of much controversy over its future role following the closure of the hospital in 1995.

The capsule will contain historical artefacts including photographs and documents relating to the hospital, documents from the HCA and drawings from a class of children at Goosnargh Oliverson’s Primary School, who have imagined what they think houses of the future will look like in 2055.

Christine Aitken, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey North West, said: “Whittingham Park is one of our most anticipated developments in the region, and one we’ve been keen to begin works on for some time. We’re celebrating the progress we’ve made to date and the relationships established with clubs within – and members of – the local community.”

As of last week the first six homes had been sold on the development and purchasers will be able to move in later this year.